Youth League draws to an end

FFS Regional Technical Centre at Iva, was filled with laughter and happiness on Saturday morning, 29th September 2013 where hundreds of kids from around the big island of Savaii gathered to participate in the final day of the “Savaii Youth Football Competition”. The tournament started in early August when FFS officially opened its fields and office in Iva, Fa’asaleleaga, Savaii. This is the first time the island of Savaii has hosted and run its own league. Eight clubs from various villages and communities registered for the inaugural tournament. Saturday’s finals day catered for 3 youth divisions from under 12 boys and girls, under 15 boys and girls up to under 17 boys. The overall objective of the competition was to develop football at youth level by providing youngsters with the opportunity to participate in a well organised, competitive environment.Unasa Opilene, coach of Siufaga Soccer club thanked the FFS team for their hard work towards the development of the football in Savaii. She also acknowledges the contribution of parents, supporting the Federation by letting their kids play every Saturday’s as well as attending the games. FFS CEO Sarai Bareman explains the significance of the tournament “This 6 week tournament was designed as an introductory tournament, not only for the FFS but also for the new Savaii clubs. It has given the 8 new clubs an opportunity to learn more about the game, its laws and also the format of the competitions and the way FFS administers its games. On the other hand, it has also given the FFS a chance to view the clubs and look at ways that we can help them to grow and develop.” Bareman also emphasised that this is only the beginning for the big island “Although this tournament is nearing its end, the FFS will continue to run technical activities focusing on coach & referee development. We will kick off the full ‘Savaii League’ in January 2014 with the idea being that the people from Savaii will by then be well equipped to run their own tournaments with support of FFS. It’s an exciting year coming up for Football and the addition of the new Savaii league will see a lift in the level of football being played Nation-wide.”This Saturday 5th October 2013 will be the final day of the Savaii introductory tournament for all divisions. The first match will kick off at 8am with the final game scheduled for 3.30pm. This will be followed by a prize giving ceremony. Head down to the FFS fields at Iva to catch the action.

About FIJI FA

Fiji was among the founding members of OFC along with Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The nation of around 800,000 has traditionally been one of Oceania best performers – second only to New Zealand in the FIFA rankings for men. The Fiji Football Association (FFA) nurtures hopes of one day toppling the giants in Oceania and qualifying for a FIFA finals competition.